Corrosion resistant buffer system for metal products

ABSTRACT

A system is disclosed for inhibiting the corrosion of ferrous and other metals by passivating the metals. The system includes novel buffered compositions which may be applied to metal products for preventing or retarding corrosion and methods for applying the buffered compositions to metal products such that corrosion protection of the products is achieved through passivation. The methods include an in-situ application to existing structures with metal reinforcement as well as applications to metal products during manufacture. Generally, the compositions may be in various forms and comprise a carrier component and one or more particulate pH buffer components. The particles of buffer are selected to retain the proximity of the metal at a pH at which the metal is passive to corrosion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention in a broad aspect relates to inhibiting the corrosion of metals. The invention more particularly concerns compositions and methods of controlling the pH proximate a point of incipient corrosion of a metal at a pH value where the metal is passive to corrosion. The invention more especially concerns coating compositions comprising one or more particulate materials, including one or more pH buffers varying in particle size. The compositions also preferably include one or more particulate corrosion inhibitors. The compositions also typically include a vehicle or other carrier for the particulate materials which preferably takes different forms, depending on the nature and form of the metal being protected.

2. Related Art

The corrosion of steel and other metal products continues to be a serious technical problem which has profound effects on the economy and the standard of living. It causes premature replacement of infrastructure, which in turn causes loss of natural resources, and gives rise to inferior roads and buildings.

The process of corrosion requires several physical conditions. These conditions include a metallic path, an electrolyte, anode, cathode, and a potential difference between the anode and the cathode (tendency to corrode). A metallic path allows the transfer of electrons between the anode and cathode sites; this path is normally the substrate metal. The electrolyte is normally an aqueous solution around the substrate metal and contains ionic species capable of transferring charge between the anode and the cathode of the substrate metal. The anode is the location where the substrate metal corrodes and mass loss occurs. At the anode, metal atoms lose electrons and convert to metal ions which are drawn into the surrounding electrolyte. At the cathode, ionic species receive electrons from the substrate metal and convert them back to molecular form. Potential difference (or tendency to corrode) between the anode and cathode can result from many different conditions which include: variations in metal or alloy compositions; difference in amount of dissolved oxygen; presence of impurities on the substrate; ionic strength and/or constituents; temperature differences; etc.

Corrosion can be prevented, halted, or reduced by interrupting the transfer of electrons, by changing the chemistry at the anode or cathode, or by isolating the substrate from the electrolyte. Methods to achieve the prevention of corrosion include the use of barrier coatings or claddings, sacrificial coatings, corrosion inhibitors, cathode protection, and surface passivation. The barrier coatings or claddings include paints, organic coatings, ceramic and inorganic coatings, plastics, noble metal platings or claddings (such as nickel) and more. Sacrificial coatings prevent corrosion by having a greater tendency to corrode than the metal they protect, thus converting the substrate metal to a more noble (non-corrosive) potential. Sacrificial coatings include zinc, aluminum, and magnesium metals and alloys applied as claddings, hot dip coatings, platings, or as fillers in primers and paints or other organic coatings. Corrosion inhibitors change the surface chemistry at the interface between the metal substrate and the electrolyte solution. This interface barrier may be formed by oxidizing the anode surface, precipitating a film or barrier layer that limits diffusion of ionic species between the bulk electrolyte and the substrate surface, or by adsorbing compounds which impart a hydrophobic film to the substrate metal surface. Cathodic protection of a substrate surface may be achieved by converting the entire surface of the substrate metal to a cathode through the use of sacrificial anodes or impressed electrical current. Surface passivation involves importing an oxide film to the substrate metal surface, thus preventing or reducing the tendency of the substrate metal to develop anode and cathode sites. Metallic substrates develop passive surfaces in specific environments or when exposed to solutions with specific pH ranges. For example, steel and iron substrates are naturally passive when exposed to aqueous solutions that have a pH of 8.5 or above. Aluminum also has a naturally passive surface due to an oxide that forms a tightly adherent oxide film limiting further exposure of oxygen to the metal substrate. Passive films, however, can be attacked and compromised by certain ionic species. In the case of iron and iron alloy materials, the naturally passive surface can be compromised by chloride ions and hydrogen ions, among others.

The previously mentioned mechanisms of corrosion protection have various drawbacks. Barrier coatings can be expensive and offer very little protection against corrosion if they are compromised, damaged mechanically, or have insufficient coverage. Sacrificial coatings have the potential of creating embrittlement of high strength steels due to the creation of monaromic hydrogen by-products from the corrosion reaction. The coatings may also be rapidly used up under certain accelerated corrosion conditions. Corrosion inhibitors are often expensive and some have been shown to be environmentally unfriendly or toxic. Many of these are available only as liquids making them inappropriate for certain applications as they function best in certain concentration ranges. Cathodic protection can be an expensive protection means that requires skilled professionals for its design and application. It is more readily applicable to new structures, but is difficult and/or expensive to install on an existing structure. Surface passivation has been used relatively little because it requires control of the environment around the substrate metal surface.

In nature, stable materials exist at their lowest form of energy. Iron typically exists as iron oxide ore. Mankind spends a tremendous amount of money refining and adding energy to the iron ore to create steel and other iron products with the necessary properties for construction of roads, bridges, buildings, and the like. The natural response of such products to the environment is to return to their lowest, most stable energy state, i.e., the iron oxide state. This corrosion process is accelerated when the products are exposed to corrosive constituents in the environment. Large amounts of time and money are expended annually in the use of coating materials to inhibit such corrosion.

Three types of corrosion are of primary concern with iron products: general, crevice, and electromotive. General corrosion results from open exposure to corrosive conditions. Crevice corrosion is a form of local corrosion resulting from corrosive exposure in a shielded location where oxygen depletion occurs. The oxygen depletion results in the development of acidic conditions which accelerate the corrosive loss of base metal. Electromotive corrosion is an accelerated form of corrosion due to stray electrical currents passing through an active corrosion cell.

Crevice corrosion is a special form of corrosive action in that it typically may involve a bacterial or microbial attack accompanied by an environmental change in pH with anaerobic conditions. Microbes that promote corrosion of metals can be classed into five general groups: 1) acid producers which oxidize sulfur compounds to change sulfur compounds to sulfuric acid; 2) slime formers which aid in the production of anaerobic micro environments; 3) sulfate reducers that consume hydrogen and depolarize cathodic sites; 4) hydrogen feeders which feed on hydrocarbons; and 5) metal ion concentrators/oxidizers that work in conjunction with other microbes to create thick, bulky deposits to create concentration cells. Typically, more than one type of microbe is working at any one crevice corrosion site in a symbiotic relationship, fostering the growth of others. This form of attack is often hard to detect, since by definition initiation is often in the small crevices concealed in an anaerobic site. These sites often exhibit deep pitting, compromising the structural integrity of the base metals under attack.

Conditions that favor the promulgation of corrosive microbes include anaerobic environments, pH in the range of 0.5-10 (depending on the type of microorganism), and high concentrations of hydrocarbons upon which the microbes feed. Metal strands used in concrete structures can be ideal initiation sites. The strands used in such structures are typically of 1×7 high strength steel construction. Unfortunately, almost as soon as such a concrete structure is placed, cracking begins to occur. These cracks allow water and other corrosive materials to penetrate the structure and thereby compromise the integrity of the structure. The cracks become not only ideal crevice corrosion sites, but also places for potential physical degradation of a structure by alternating freeze and thaw cycles with the hydraulic force of water breaking up the concrete.

The current cable market for post tensioned and pretensioned pre-stressed concrete is dominated by bare steel 1×7 strand. Strand is available with a fusion bonded epoxy coating with the surface of the epoxy containing an optional aluminum oxide grit to promote bonding with concrete (ASTM Specification A882/A882M). In addition, 1×7 strand containing grease and covered with polyethylene is also available for specific applications. Conduits manufactured from plastic or steel materials such as galvanized steel or polyethylene are currently used as containment for individual strands or multiple bundles of strands. The conduits are commonly filled with grout to strengthen the assembly and to fill in the interstices. The alkaline nature of the grout passivates the surface of the steel from corrosion. Strand and wire rope for the automotive industry and other general purpose uses currently use a zinc or zinc alloy hot dip coating and may be covered with a number of thermoplastic coatings. The zinc or zinc alloy coatings protect the surface of the steel from corrosion galvanically due to its sacrificial nature (it corrodes preferentially to steel).

Organic plastic materials have also been used to fill the interstices between the wires on some cable products. Ceramic based, corrosion resistant coatings have been developed and are currently in use in automotive parking brake cable strand products.

The use of bare strand products causes problems when exposed to corrosive environments. The strand surface is not protected from corrosive constituents in the environment. Strand stored to be placed in casting beds (forms that are reused time and time again for making of structural elements of precast concrete) often show signs of initial red rust before being surrounded by the protective encasement of concrete. In the case of strand used as a prestressor for concrete materials, corrosion can occur when corrosive constituents such as salts from deicing compounds, admixtures to the concrete, or marine environment migrate to the surface of the strand. Initially, the pH in concrete is near 12.0. Corrosiveness increases as the concrete pH drops or when carbonation occurs. Due to the chemical reactions incurred during the cure cycle of the concrete mixture, there are zones of cure that striate and promote cracking at the surface of the curing mixture. Depending upon the cure conditions, the types of admixtures and aggregates, and the surrounding physical conditions, this cracking may or may not be readily visible to the naked eye. The expansive forces caused by the development of corrosion on the steel strand or other steel reinforcement can also crack the concrete. Whatever their origin, cracks can accelerate the degradation of the concrete and also the prestressing strand (by exposing the steel), necessitating repair or replacement of the concrete member to avoid failure of the structure. Bare strand has no protection against corrosion except for the surrounding concrete. Rehabilitation projects often use sealers on cracked concrete to lessen the chance that water or other corrosive elements will enter the cracks and accelerate the degradation process. Typically these sealers only provide a physical barrier and do not address the underlying steel components that are the subject of the corrosive attack.

Epoxy coated strand, the only current commercial alternative to bare strand for pretension prestressing applications, has a number of limitations. The epoxy coating effectively offers only barrier protection against corrosive constituents. When the barrier has been compromised due to coating imperfections or field handling, corrosive constituents can get to the strand wires and cause local corrosion to develop. The corrosive constituents can then migrate beneath the epoxy coating, developing crevice corrosion cells and cause delamination of the epoxy coating from the surface of the strand wires. Crevice corrosion can cause rapid failure of strand wires as well as a reduction of the pH in the corrosion cell area. The epoxy coating has good overall chemical resistance, but can be attacked by oxidizing materials such as chlorine, fluorine, and hypochlorite materials. Sodium hypochlorite is commonly used as a water treatment additive and for bleaching in the pulp and paper industries. The hypochlorite ion may also be formed in alkaline environments (such as concrete) when chloride ions or chlorine is present.

Construction of precast members utilizing epoxy coated strand requires the use of special jaws on the strand during the tensioning process. Even with the special jaws, slippage sometimes occurs, causing removal of the epoxy coating and adding difficulty to the construction of the precast members. Jaws that are typically reused 60-70 times for bare strand often require cleaning after only two or three uses with epoxy coated strand.

It is common practice for post tension cables to be encased with hydrocarbon greases and sheathed with a polymeric coating that excludes oxygen. Strand and wire rope products filled with grease are typically limited to applications where high bond strength is not required (post tension applications) and bridges. Grease has been shown to offer good corrosion protection when present in excess; however, bare areas can occur due to rubbing. Greases may be expelled during periods of high temperatures, and many oils and greases become acidic with the passage of time, increasing the threat of corrosion. This acidic condition speeds the ionic exchange between the surrounding electrolyte and the metal substrate. The grouting of strand tendons can lead to air pockets or voids between the tendons where corrosive materials can collect. Some admixtures commonly used in grout formulations are corrosive with respect to steel reinforcement.

The interstices between the individual wires that form cables or strands frequently show the first place of attack. A paper in 1985 described the process of a bio-film community as follows: 1) iron-oxidizing bacteria infiltrate metal surfaces and put down "roots" to anchor a community; 2) slime formers and fungi are attracted to this site because of the nutrient availability and/or protection; 3) sulfate reducing bacteria thrive in this anaerobic layer producing copious amounts of corrosive hydrogen sulfide gas; 4) a layered aerobic/anaerobic stratification forms typically with the first layer of bio-film protecting an underlying anaerobic community.

Electromotive corrosion, like crevice corrosion, is also an accelerated form of corrosion which may be due to stray electrical currents from nearby cathodic protection systems or power cables, or to static electrical currents generated from frictional contact between automobile tires and driving surfaces (and subsequently discharged through the automotive parking brake cables).

Many different types of corrosive environments exist: Marine, Rust Belt, Water Treatment Facilities, Power Plants, Pulp and Paper Mills, and Chemical Process Plants. Natural corrosives such as salts from marine environments, and man-made corrosives such as acid pollutants, corrode infrastructures. Structures requiring protection from corrosive constituents include roads, bridges, dams, parking garages, and piers. In that regard, people everywhere are increasing demands for snow and ice free roads, bridges, and parking garages through the use of deicing salts; unfortunately, these salts further contribute to the deterioration of infrastructure.

Considerable effort has been expended by the construction and automobile industries, among others, to delay and reduce the rate of corrosion of steel. Such corrosion can result in failure not only of the steel, but also the elements and structures the steel supports. For example, corrosion of reinforcing steel members in concrete is known to result in deterioration of the concrete. Such deterioration is believed to be due in large part to the fact that the corrosion products tend to occupy a greater volume of space than the original steel; this results in stresses on the surrounding concrete material. Structural distress may also occur due to a reduced cross-sectional area of the steel or to a loss of bond between the steel and the concrete.

In industrial applications, metal corrosion can be accelerated by several factors such as the infiltration of oxygen and moisture ("general corrosion") and the presence of stray electrical currents ("electromotive corrosion"). Metal corrosion can also be accelerated by bacterial attack in highly acidic (i.e., pH <2.0), anaerobic environments on the metal surface ("microbiological induced corrosion").

One well-known method for preventing steel corrosion is galvanization. In particular, zinc and zinc alloys together with thermoplastic coverings are commonly used to coat strands and wire rope in many industries. Zinc and its alloys are known to protect the surface of steel sacrificially, in that zinc corrodes preferentially to steel. However, a major disadvantage of this treatment is that the zinc coating provides only temporary protection of the base metal. Also, the coating may corrode unevenly, jeopardizing the integrity of the underlying metal. Zinc electroplating processes used to galvanize ferrous substrates often lead to hydrogen embrittlement of steel products, notably the high strength, highly stressed steels. In addition, the corrosion of any galvanic zinc coating (electroplate, mechanical plate, cladding, thermal spray, hot dip, or zinc filled coating) can cause hydrogen embrittlement of high strength, highly stressed steels such as reinforcing strand used in concrete and bridge stays.

For the above reasons, many industries have begun to investigate alternative corrosion treatments. For example, most such treatments which have been developed for wire products involve coating or encapsulating the base metal with various compounds such as plastics, ceramics, epoxy resins, greases, and other hydrocarbon-based substances. These substances may be applied either on the outside of the wire ropes or strands or in the interstices of the ropes or strands. However, these treatments only provide a physical barrier to corrosive elements such as moisture and oxygen, and they do not address the corrosion of the steel itself. Furthermore, even with such applications, the steel is still vulnerable to crevice corrosion, since highly acidic, anaerobic environments will often appear on the metal surface, thereby promoting bacterial attack.

Current industry standards for corrosion prevention center around the use of heavy metals (chromium, nickel, lead, cadmium, copper, mercury, barium, etc.) or heavy metal compounds to passivate or provide a barrier to inhibit, or galvanically sacrifice, and thereby protect the substrate metal beneath. The introduction of these materials into the environment, however, can lead to serious health consequences as well as substantial costs to contain or separate the materials or clean up environmental contamination. Dealing with corrosion, accordingly, is a continuing problem and better systems for preventing corrosion are still needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in a broad aspect resides in a system for inhibiting the corrosion of ferrous and other metals by passivating the metals. The invention in one general aspect resides in compositions in various forms which are applied to a metal, and which comprise a carrier component and one or more particulate pH buffer components. The particles of buffer are soluble or otherwise ionizable in water, and are selected to retain the proximity of the metal at a pH at which the metal is passive to corrosion.

The buffer particles preferably range in size in order to dissolve over extended periods of time and thereby provide a continuing buffering function. The carrier may take preferred forms such as films, gels, sealants, etc., depending on such factors as the type, configuration and service of the metal. The carrier may also vary in its physical and chemical nature, again depending on various factors. In general, the carrier should be sufficiently viscous to support the particulate buffer uniformly within the carrier. The compositions of the invention preferably include components capable of inhibiting the corrosion of any given metal in the presence of moisture or other sources of corrosion promoters. The inhibitor components co-act with the buffer components to provide protection against corrosion and may be specifically chosen to inhibit microbiological growth.

From the foregoing it becomes apparent that the invention provides an intelligent corrosion inhibiting system that not only passivates a metal facing corrosion, but also maintains such protection over extended periods of time. The system does this by providing a buffered environment via the buffering agents. Corrosion protection, accordingly, is not limited to the use of reactive metals or barrier films traditionally employed in corrosion preventative coatings. Indeed an important feature of the invention resides in its environmentally friendly nature and the "green" protection it provides. The invention purposely minimizes and preferably avoids use of heavy metal-type corrosion preventives or other preventives that may contaminate an application site or be introduced to the surrounding environment.

The intelligent nature of the systems of the invention is abetted by a choice of carriers and layering as reflected by the product or apparatus to be protected against corrosion. Thus, as previously noted, the carrier may take the form of a gel, film, sealant, adhesive or other suitable medium. Further, one or more layers of the medium may be applied to a metal. In addition, one or more layers may be designed to be water repellant or to serve as barriers for corrosive materials such as air, carbon dioxide, chloride ions, etc.

The present invention is directed to 1) novel buffered compositions which may be applied to metal products for preventing or retarding corrosion; 2) methods for applying the buffered compositions to metal products, particularly wire cables, such that corrosion-protection of the products is achieved through passivation; and 3) systems for in situ application to existing structures with metal reinforcement.

The compositions of the invention thus reside in a corrosion or rust preventive which includes a carrier in which is dispersed a particulate buffer which serves to maintain a pH for a metal in contact with the carrier which is in the range of pH values wherein the metal has a natural passivity to corrosion. The carrier is in a form suitable for application to the metal for a long term or generally permanent basis. Thus, following application to a metal surface, the carrier is preferably selected to adhere to the metal surface as an adhesive or to be otherwise immobile or cured so as to remain on the surface.

The buffer component is in the form of particles which preferably range in size from fine to coarse in order to provide a buffering function which is both prompt and enduring. Particle sizes thus may typically range from about 0.5 μM to 850 μM, and preferably about 0.5 μM to 500 μM. Particle size distribution may vary from case to case, depending on the atmosphere or environment in which the corrosion preventive must serve. In general, it appears that a preferred distribution for most applications is 0.5 μM to 500 μM. However, for some wire rope applications, the recommended particle size is less than 20 μM.

The concentration of buffer particles in any given carrier preferably should be the maximum consistent with ease of handling and the stability of the overall composition.

The function of buffers is well-known in that buffer solutions act to minimize changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH) which would otherwise tend to occur as a result of chemical reactions. Once formulated, these solutions tend to resist further change due to outside influence. This makes it possible to tailor buffer response so as to resist pH changes caused by changes in temperature, pressure, volume, redox potential or acidity, etc.

Buffer solutions are typically prepared by mixing a weak acid and its salt or a weak base and its salt. Acidic buffers, for example, can be prepared utilizing potassium chloride or potassium hydrogen phthalate with hydrochloric acid of appropriate concentrations. Neutral buffers can be prepared by mixing potassium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium hydroxide. Alkaline (basic) buffers can be prepared by mixing borax or disodium hydrogen phosphate with sodium hydroxide. Many more chemical combinations are possible, using appropriate chemicals to establish the proper sequence of proton transfer steps coupled with the intended reactions. Buffer exchange rates may be modified by combinations of buffer materials that react at different ionic exchange rates; buffers of low-change type react more rapidly than high-change types.

As noted above, the buffer compositions of the invention serve to keep the pH of the carrier in contact with a metal at a value at which the metal has a natural passivity toward corrosion. In the case of iron, steel, and other iron alloys such as stainless steel and monel alloy, the pH at which such materials have a natural passivity toward corrosion is in the range between about 8 and 13. In the case of aluminum and aluminum alloys, the range is between about 5 and 7. In the case of bronzes, the range is more often between about 7 and 10. In general, most metals suitable for use with the present invention are naturally passive to corrosion at pH values above about 3.0.

Materials that may serve as buffers in any given instance may vary considerably, depending on the pH at which the metal at hand has a natural passivity toward corrosion. Well-known buffers include alkali metal or alkali metal hydrogen tartrates, tetroxalates, phosphates, phthalates, borates, and the like, wherein the alkali metal is preferably sodium or potassium. Another commonly used buffer is calcium hydroxide. Preferred buffers include sodium and potassium silicates, and especially mixtures of such silicates. The buffer in any case should comprise dry particles in anhydrous or hydrated form. In general, the hydrated form of any given buffer is preferred over the anhydrous because of its more ready solubility in water.

The invention in one broad aspect may be considered as a macro-infiltrated, micro-laminated system in that high concentrations of a particulate pH buffer are incorporated in a carrier or vehicle, and the carrier or vehicle ladened with the buffer is preferably applied to a metal product in a plurality of thin layers. The particles, as noted earlier, are preferably present in a range of particle sizes so as to become active as buffers over an extended period of time.

When applied as films or coatings, the rust preventive compositions of the invention are preferably applied in a macro-infiltrated, micro-laminated form. The inner layers typically comprise multiple thin layers of a carrier laden with particulate buffers of varying particle size to impart a self-activating, time-release buffering action.

One or more intermediate layers may serve as barrier layers for the underlying buffer layers. Thus, potassium silicate particles may be incorporated in one or more intermediate layers to bar air and moisture from reaching the buffer layer or the metal. Potassium silicate particles react with carbon dioxide to form an insoluble film which protects the underlying buffer layers from premature dissolution.

The intermediate barrier layers may be coated with one or more layers which have sealant or water-repellant properties. A carrier macro-infiltrated with aluminum silicate particles, for example, forms layers with strong hydrophobic qualities. The carrier in this instance may be a polymeric material such as polyacrylic, silicone, polyurethane, epoxy, vinyl polymer or polyvinylacetate.

The present invention has particular application in protecting cables and wire ropes which are made of multiple strands of wire. In this application it is generally preferred that the compositions of the invention be in the form of a viscous jelly-like carrier macro-infiltrated with one or more particulate buffers. The product preferably resembles a thixotropic gel which tends to become fluid under shear, but sets up to a relatively firm structure. The thixotropic nature renders desirable physical properties to the composition. However, a thixotropic nature is not necessarily required. The gel may be applied to individual strands during fabrication of a rope or cable, but it may also be injected into and along a rope or cable following fabrication. Thixotropic properties of the gel enable the buffer composition to flow along the interstices between and surrounding the strands which form the rope or cable. The thixotropic properties also enable the material to take a much more permanent position once injected into a rope or cable, thereby providing long term protection.

As noted earlier, wire rope and cable are especially subject to crevice corrosion. The present invention by its gel formulations is especially effective in dealing with such corrosion. Particularly effective are formulations which include not only particles of a buffer such as an alkali metal silicate but also particles of a particulate bactericide, preferably an alkali metal borate.

This invention is also very effective in protecting and rehabilitating existing infrastructures through the use of a pumpable thixotropic composition that is applied into existing cracks of the supporting concrete structure. The composition reacts to changes in the environment that are conducive to corrosion and releases buffers to change the pH of the site surrounding rebars or other metal structures to be protected. When a tendency for pH drop is encountered, the reactive components of the composition work to passivate the surface of the metal and actively tie up any chloride ions. Once the composition is pumped into a structure, its thixotropic nature is activated and it becomes a prevention agent for the physical ingress of fluids. By raising the existing pH of the corrosion site, corrosion that is already taking place is countered and further changes reduced or eliminated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in a broad aspect resides in an intelligent corrosion inhibiting system that passivates the material to be protected and provides long term protection by maintaining a buffered environment via solubility of buffering compounds such that corrosion is not likely to occur. The system of the invention is not dependent on any reactive metals or barrier films traditionally found in corrosion preventative coatings. Indeed, an important aspect of this invention lies in its environmentally friendly nature and the "green" protection it provides.

The method or system of the invention for preventing corrosion can be readily implemented using gels, films, sealants, adhesives, or the like as carriers for a buffering material. Appropriate buffer materials are chosen such that, when contacted by moisture, they dissolve and buffer the proximity of the metal substrate in the pH range that imparts natural passivity to the substrate. A significant feature of buffering the proximity of the substrate is that the buffer will resist changes in pH away from the passive range of the substrate and thereby resist potential corrosion. The buffer should be particulate and of varying size range to achieve a time release feature. Small particles dissolve completely for short duration protection, while larger particles require a longer time frame to completely dissolve and offer longer duration protection. The buffer dissolution and migration out of the carrier is controlled by the concentration gradient. This adds an intelligent characteristic to the coating system whereby if the moisture in the proximity of the substrate contains sufficient buffer materials, the rate of dissolution and migration of the buffers from the carrier decreases.

As noted earlier, the compositions of the invention may be employed in many forms especially films, coatings, gels and adhesives. Each of these forms is discussed below.

Films and Coatings

The buffer technology of the invention may be incorporated in films and other coatings to produce a smart, macro-infiltrated, micro-laminated coating system. This coating system provides corrosion protection to the substrate metal via time release of buffer materials when the coating system is compromised by damage and moisture is present. The coating system does not require, and preferably excludes, the use of environmentally undesirable heavy metals in elemental or non-elemental form. The coating system includes one or more coating layers which are micro-infiltrated with solid, particulate, buffer materials. The buffer materials may be added to water borne resin systems and solvent borne resin systems as long as they are compatible. The buffer materials are generally unaffected by the curing methods and may be used in resin systems which cure via air dry, heat, chemical cross-linking, ultra-violet, and other curing mechanisms. The buffer materials are added into the coating systems in a range of particle sizes to achieve a time release feature. When a coating has been damaged and is contacted by moisture, the buffers begin to dissolve and migrate out of the coating to buffer the proximity of the metal substrate to be protected. The smaller buffer particulates dissolve more quickly and offer rapid buffering for a shorter duration. The larger particulates require more time to completely dissolve, thus offering a longer protection duration and time release feature. The rates of dissolution of the buffer materials are dependent on the concentration gradient of the buffer materials between the interior of the coating and the area surrounding the coating. Thus, when moisture first enters the proximity of the coating, dissolution and migration of the buffer materials occur. As the concentration of buffer materials outside the coating increases, the rate of dissolution and migration of buffers from the coating decreases. As the concentration of buffer materials outside the coating decreases, the buffers are replenished by dissolution and migration from the coating. This characteristic of the buffered coating provides a smart feature to the coating system.

Buffer materials are chosen based on the type of substrate to be protected. Metal substrates may be protected from corrosion by passivating the substrate surface. This may generally be accomplished only in certain pH ranges which, in turn, depend on the specific substrate to be protected. For example, iron based alloys are passivated with an alkaline pH (pH 8-12). This pH range is preferably accomplished with sodium silicate and/or potassium silicate powders, but other alkaline materials may be utilized. A blend of the sodium and potassium silicates is especially useful for achieving viscosity control in aqueous base formulations.

Potassium silicate powder materials may also be incorporated as an insolubilizer in a secondary layering outside of the primary buffer layering. The materials react with carbon dioxide to form an insoluble film which protects the primary buffer layering from premature dissolution. An outer, tertiary water-repellant layering macro-infiltrated with aluminum silicate may be utilized to impart hydrophobicity to the coating system. Aluminum silicate is largely insoluble in water.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, buffered films or layers are employed with barrier layers which overlay the buffered layers, and also with outer, water repellant layers which overlay the barrier layers.

All of the layers are infiltrated with particles to form a macro-infiltrated, micro-laminated coating system. The inner most layers comprise appropriately chosen buffer materials to impart a smart, time-release buffering to achieve surface passivation of the substrate metal. An intermediate coating layer acts as a barrier to protect the buffering layers. A top layer comprises a polymeric film macro-infiltrated with a aluminum silicate or other materials to achieve hydrophobicity (water repellence). In addition, various pigments and corrosion inhibitors may be incorporated into these coatings. Where desired, these coatings can contain sacrificial metals or be applied over a basecoat containing elemental or non-elemental metals or conversion coatings.

Applications for the films and coatings of the invention include components for the automotive industry, home-consumer products, construction and infrastructures, aerospace industry components, and other out-door or corrosive applications where the use of heavy metals in elemental or non-elemental form is environmentally undesirable.

Gels

These are suspensions in which a dispersed phase of particulate buffer agent is combined with a continuous phase to produce a viscous jelly-like product. In the instant invention a synthetic oil is preferably utilized for the continuous phase. The buffer system is added to provide protection specific for the application.

Gels exists in a state somewhere between liquid and solid and can be tailored to act like either one or the other. Thixotropic gels allow application at a state approaching liquid for ease of insertion into cracks and subsequent return to solid nature to physically resist water intrusion. The buffered gels of the invention form an excellent vehicle of transport for attacking corrosion sites that have developed within a surrounding concrete envelope. The gels and their chemicals can reach deep into the structure and then be localized to passivate a metal (steel) surface. Any chloride ions introduced into the concrete can be chemically bound by reactive components of the gel, and deterioration of the structure and reinforcing steel thereby arrested.

Thixotropic gels employing synthetic oils as a continuous phase or carrier have proven effective in practice of the invention. Examples of synthetic oils include oils based on synthesized hydrocarbon fluids, alkyl benzenes, dibasic acid esters, polyol esters, polyglycols, olefin oligomers, polybutenes, cycloaliphatics, silicones, silicate esters, polyphenyl ethers, and halogenated fluids. These fluids can be tailored to have a controlled molecular structure which exhibits the best properties of a petroleum based (mineral oil) system as well as properties not found in hydrocarbon greases. Petroleum hydrocarbon greases fail at temperatures approaching 350° F., while some synthetics maintain excellent properties up to 800° F.

Gels formed with the above synthetic fluids may be filled with many different particulate buffers and special components such as barrier materials and corrosion inhibitors. Attractive gels have been filled with sodium silicate, potassium silicate, and zinc borate in amounts of about ten percent by volume each, totaling about 30 percent by volume.

An especially applicable synthetic gel is based on a synthetic polyolefin fluid (alpha decene) available under the trademark NYOGEL® from William F. Nye Inc. Specific formulations have included ten percent by volume each of sodium silicate, potassium silicate and zinc borate. Silver nitrate may be added in high chloride ion environments.

Applications for the gels of the invention include:

1. Wire rope used in aircraft, mining, automotive, and transportation, both as a lubricant and for corrosion protection;

2. Strand used in construction such as prestressed cables and post tensioned cables in concrete, and bridge stays typically found in stay bridges, parking lot garages, concrete buildings, railroad ties, and water and chemical containment vessels;

3. Gels injected in cracks in concrete for rehabilitation purposes;

4. Sluice gates for water/chemical containers;

5. Anti-seize compounds; and

6. Globe valves/gate valves in corrosive environments.

Sealants

In this form, particulate agents are dispersed in an organic or synthetic substance that is formulated to be soft enough to pour or extrude, but is also capable of subsequent hardening to form a permanent flexible bond with a metal substrate. Typically, sealants are synthetic polymers such as silicones, urethanes, acrylics, polychloroprenes, or the like which are semisoluble before application and later become elastomeric. A few of the best known sealants are natural products such as linseed oil, putty, asphalt and various waxes. Addition of an appropriate buffer system of the invention acts to protect metallic structures from corrosion.

Applications:

1. Household and industrial caulking employed to address weather or water sealing needs typically created by lap joints of similar or dissimilar materials;

2. Ship building, automobile, and aircraft, which are additional examples of industries which create a myriad of metal lap joints resulting in potential crevice corrosion sites; and

3. Foamable sealants used in automobile and aircraft applications to fill voids, provide water seals and to deaden sound.

Adhesives

In this form, the buffers of the invention may be dispersed in organic, inorganic and synthetic polymers that provide chemical and/or physical bonds between metal substrates for a strong joint, as opposed to sealants that remain pliable. Other suitable adhesive type carriers include rubber and latex based materials, as well as hot melt formulated from polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate, polyamides, hydrocarbon resins, and also natural asphalts, bitumens, resinous materials and waxes. These adhesive materials formulated with the appropriate buffer systems of the invention provide substrate protection from general corrosion, dissimilar metal corrosion, and crevice corrosion.

Applications:

Any metal lap joints designed for adhesive bonding for new assemblies or repair.

Table A gives examples of suitable buffering components which may be used in accordance with the present invention, while Table B gives examples of suitable weight ratios of these buffering components for different pH values. Of course, other weak acid/conjugate base or weak base/conjugate acid systems may be used, provided they are compatible with the base carrier matrix.

                  TABLE A                                                          ______________________________________                                         Examples of Buffering Compounds                                                Chemical Name      Formula                                                     ______________________________________                                         Boric Acid         H.sub.3 BO.sub.3                                            Citric Acid        H.sub.3 C.sub.6 H.sub.5 O.sub.7.H.sub.2 O                   Sodium Hydroxide   NaOH                                                        Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate                                                                 Na.sub.3 PO.sub.4.12H.sub.2 O                               Potassium Silicate SiO.sub.2 /K.sub.2 O 1.6-2.5 wt. ratio                      Sodium Silicate    SiO.sub.2 /Na.sub.2 O 2.0-3.22 wt. ratio                    Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate                                                                      KHC.sub.8 O.sub.4 H.sub.4                                   Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate                                                                    KH.sub.2 PO.sub.4                                           Borax              Na.sub.2 B.sub.4 O.sub.7                                    Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate                                                                         NaHCO.sub.3                                                 Disodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate                                                                  Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4.12H.sub.2 O                              Sodium Acetate     NaOOCCH.sub.3                                               Disodium Phosphate Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4                                          ______________________________________                                    

                                      TABLE B                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Examples of Weight Ratios of Buffering Components for Various pH Values        Desired pH                                                                           Weight                                                                             Chemical Weight                                                                             Chemical                                                                             Weight                                                                             Chemical                                      __________________________________________________________________________     3.0   1.00                                                                               Boric Acid                                                                              0.84                                                                               Citric Acid                                                                          0.18                                                                               Trisodium Phosphate                           3.5   1.00                                                                               Boric Acid                                                                              0.84                                                                               Citric Acid                                                                          0.27                                                                               Trisodium Phosphate                           4.0   1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        196.00                                                                             Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate                            4.5   1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        29.30                                                                              Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate                            5.0   1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        11.30                                                                              Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate                            5.5   1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        6.97                                                                               Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate                            6.0   1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        30.40                                                                              Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate                          6.5   1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        12.20                                                                              Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate                          7.0   1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        5.84                                                                               Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate                          7.5   1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        4.14                                                                               Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate                          8.0   1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        3.64                                                                               Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate                          8.5   1.00                                                                               Boric Acid                                                                              0.84                                                                               Citric Acid                                                                          4.80                                                                               Trisodium Phosphate                                                            (12 H.sub.2 O)                                9.0   1.00                                                                               Boric Acid                                                                              0.84                                                                               Citric Acid                                                                          5.82                                                                               Trisodium Phosphate                                                            (12 H.sub.2 O)                                9.5   1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        13.55                                                                              Borax                                                   10.0  1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        6.52                                                                               Borax                                                   10.5  1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        5.25                                                                               Borax                                                   11.0  1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        2.31                                                                               Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate                               11.5  1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        8.00                                                                               Disodium Acid Phosphate (12H.sub.2 0)                   12.0  1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        1.30                                                                               Disodium Acid Phosphate (12H.sub.2 0)                   12.5  1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        15.00                                                                              Disodium Acid Phosphate                                 13.0  1.00                                                                               Sodium Hydroxide                                                                        1.00                                                                               Sodium Acetate                                          __________________________________________________________________________

For example, a buffering system comprising a 1.00::30.40 weight ratio of sodium hydroxide to potassium dihydrogen phosphate would be suitable for protecting aluminum and aluminum alloys from corrosion, in accordance with the present invention.

This invention finds particular application in the manufacture of wire cable to provide corrosion resistance to the cable. The invention may also be applied after manufacture of the cable and even after the cable or metal structure has been installed to provide corrosion resistance to the cable, or to retard or halt corrosion of the cable. An environment is created surrounding the substrate that is not conducive to corrosion initiation.

As used herein, the terms "cable" or "wire cable" and "wire product" shall be understood to include wire ropes and cables having multiple wire strands or filaments. The term "wire" shall be understood to include a metal bar or rod, as well as a thread or strand. A "cable" or "wire cable" as used herein may be comprised of a single wire or multiple wires. Cables for use in pretensioning and post-tensioning concrete typically have one central wire, sometimes called a "king" wire, usually with six wires wrapped around it (although additional layers or wraps may be added dependent upon any particular application). It is to be noted, however, that this invention is not limited to cables of such form or for such use. In general, the present invention may be applied to any metal surface where corrosion protection is desired.

In one embodiment of this invention, a gel is formulated that contains buffers in sufficient quantity to enable the gel to buffer pH in the range in which the metal to be corrosion-protected is naturally passive to corrosion. For protecting steel, iron or iron alloy, a gel comprising a polyalphaolefin (1-decene) base and about 10% by volume sodium silicate, about 10% by volume potassium silicate and about 10% by volume zinc borate has been found very effective. Such a composition, when applied to the steel, iron or iron alloy surface, provides a pH buffer for the metal in the pH range between 8-13.

The base component of the gel may be selected from alkylated aromatics, phosphate esters, perfluoroalkylpolyethers, polyesters, olefins, chlorotrifluoroethylene, silahydrocarbons, phosphazenes, dialkylcarbonates, oligomers, polybutenes, and polyphenyl esters, as well as unsaturated polyglycols, silicones, silicate esters, cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons, and dibasic acid esters. For protecting or passivating steel, iron or iron alloys, a polyalphaolefin base oil having a kinematic viscosity in the range of about 30-1,400 centistokes at 40° C. has been found especially effective. Other properties to consider when choosing an appropriate polyalphaolefin base oil are molecular weight, molecular branching, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity, depending on the application. The polyalphaolefin base oil is thickened to a gel with thickeners known to the art of grease manufacturers such as polytetrafluoroethylene or silica. Buffer materials are also suitable as thickeners as long as they are compatible with the base oil.

Generally, low molecular weight, synthetic, hydrocarbon oils provide greater ease in designing and manufacturing a gel with particular desired characteristics but are more costly than less refined, high molecular weight, petroleum hydrocarbon oils. Less refined hydrocarbons may also have the disadvantage of containing sulfide compounds which can feed sulfate reducing bacteria and, in turn, tend to corrode metals such as steel, iron and iron alloys.

In another embodiment of this invention, a polymer film or adhesive is formulated that contains buffers in a sufficient quantity to enable the film or adhesive to buffer pH in the pH range in which the metal to be corrosion-protected is naturally passive to corrosion. The polymer may be a thermoplastic, thermosetting, or cross-linked system. Examples of such systems include epoxies, acrylics, polyurethanes, silicones, polyesters, alkyds, vinyls, phenolics, fluoropolymers, and latexes. For protecting steel, iron or iron alloy, a polymer-based film or adhesive comprising about 10% by volume sodium silicate, about 10% by volume potassium silicate, and about 10% by volume zinc borate has proven very effective.

Films and adhesives of the invention are preferably applied while the polymer carrier or base is in a low viscosity range to help ensure complete coating of the metal to be corrosion-protected. The viscosity of the polymer-base is preferably between about 100 and 15,000 centipoise (25° C.), depending on the application. Brushed surfaces (for example) require a more viscous base than ones that will be coated by a more fluid spray, dip or dip-spin. Thereafter, the film/adhesive may be cured by suitable methods known in the art (generally exposure to air) to produce a protective, buffering system around the base metal.

In still another application of the invention, buffer materials are added to friction materials such as those used in the manufacture of brakes. Typical examples of such friction materials are phenolic thermoset resins containing iron powder and/or steel fibers or other metal fibers for reinforcement. Such buffer materials may be added as particles to the dry mixture of the iron powder and/or steel or metal fibers. Preferably, such buffer materials are applied to the iron powder and steel or metal fibers themselves, for example by a spray dry technique such as by spraying vaporized sodium silicate or other buffer material on the powder and fibers and then condensing it to a film on the powder and fibers prior to formulation of the dry mixture. A Glatt spray dryer, for example, may be used to accomplish this technique. In this application, buffer materials such as sodium silicate are preferably added to the metal to be corrosion protected in two coats, with the inner coating adjacent the metal remaining soluble to retain its buffering capacity and the outer coating over such inner coating being applied at a higher temperature capable of fusing the outer coating into an insoluble barrier-type layer.

Other materials may be added to the compositions of the present invention to further tailor them to their desired applications. For example, additives such as ceramic silicates (zircon for example) or silicas (fumed silica, silicon dioxide, amorphous silica, for example) may be used to control viscosity and improve thermal resistance. Pigments may be added to provide color. Such additives should be selected to be compatible with the primary purpose of the invention, which is to serve as a pH buffer.

Materials may also be added to enhance the buffering or corrosion resistance of any given metal. For example, silver nitrate may be added to react with possible chlorides to form precipitates with limited solubility, thereby helping to prevent the chlorides from being available to corrode steel, iron, or iron alloys.

Preferably, the compositions and methods of this invention will not employ heavy metals such as zinc, chromium, nickel, lead, cadmium, copper or lithium, especially in pure metal form. Zinc borate is generally acceptable because it has very limited solubility. Concern is greatest for pure metals or soluble cations. The invention by nature does not release components except where needed, such as hydroxyl ions to buffer pH, and thus may be generally considered to be environmentally safe or friendly, or of providing "green" protection.

In applying the invention, once a composition of the invention has been formulated with the ability to act as a buffer for a desired pH range--the pH range at which the metal has a natural passivity to corrosion--the composition is positioned proximate the metal it is to protect.

For example, the gel, adhesive, and film compositions of the invention may be applied to metal cable during manufacture. In such application the buffered carrier is preferably applied completely to at least the central or "king" wire as well as the interstices immediately surrounding the "king" wire. The film or adhesive compositions may be cured to provide a more permanent, protective, buffering region around the treated wires.

Whether or not the compositions have been applied to the wires used to manufacture a cable, they may be applied after the cable has been made or installed, preferably when the cable is in a static position such that the compositions will not readily be removed or worn off the cable. Thus, the compositions of the invention may be pumped through holes or cracks in reinforced concrete to reach and protect the underlying reinforcing bars, cables or the like. Thixotropic gel compositions are especially attractive for this service.

In certain applications, compositions of the invention, once they have been applied, may be given an outer coating in the form of a thermoplastic, paint or the like. For example, bridge stays are constantly exposed to adverse marine environments; thermoplastic or other polymeric outer sheaths on the stays help to protect the stays after they have been coated with a composition of the invention. When the composition is a gel type to be used on cable applications where bonding with concrete is desired or when an outer coating is to be applied, the composition should be restricted to covering the inner wires of a cable to help prevent adhesion problems involving the composition and the concrete or polymeric outer coating.

The use of an outer polymeric sheath is not always advocated in the case of cable which is used in pretensioned or prestressed concrete, because the cable generally must bond with the concrete; an outer sheath might very likely interfere with such bonding.

An advantage of the invention is that its effectiveness is not dependent on, nor does it need, an outer coating or covering.

The compositions of the invention may also be applied to various metal assemblies. For example, adhesives of the present invention may be applied to lap joints wherein two metal sheets are overlapped and joined by welding, riveting or the like. The buffered adhesives are applied to protect the metal joints from corrosion.

The gel and adhesive compositions of the invention have particular application to nut/bolt assemblies to prevent corrosion-induced seizing. In such applications, the gel is preferably applied to the threads of the nut or bolt both before and after the units are connected.

Tests have shown that metals coated with gel, film, and adhesive compositions of this invention show substantial resistance to corrosion. Even after corrosion has begun, applications of the compositions in accordance with the invention have resulted in a halting or significant retarding of further corrosion. Thus, this invention has application not only in manufacturing metal products, but also in on site prevention and rehabilitation of metal products.

To further illustrate the present invention, but not by way of limitation, the following examples are provided.

EXAMPLE 1

The following materials were used:

12 inch long bare steel No. 5 rebar (ASTM-A615) samples, available from Chapparal Steel Co.

Synthetic Polyalphaolefin Hydrocarbon Gelled Lubricant (NYOGEL 747G®) from William F. Nye, Inc.

Powdered Potassium Silicate (KASIL SS®) from PQ Corp.

Sodium Silicate GD®, available from PQ Corp.

Particulate zinc borate (BOROGARD ZB®), available from U.S. Borax Co.

First, approximately 50 ml each of the potassium silicate, sodium silicate, and zinc borate powders were mixed together for approximately 15 minutes to provide a homogeneous buffered composition. A 24 ml sample of the dry powder mixture was then slowly added to a 40 ml sample of the NYOGEL® polyalphaolefin material to produce a gel with 60% buffering agents by volume to achieve a buffer range of pH 10-12.

Three sets of rebar samples were then prepared for testing. In all of the samples, surface scale and corrosion initially present on the rebar was left undisturbed.

The first set was designated as the control group; consequently, no treatment was applied to these rebar samples. The second set was prepared by brushing on approximately 0.50 gram/inch of pure NYOGEL 747G® gel to the middle 5 inches of the rebar samples, while the third set was prepared by brushing on approximately 0.68 gram/inch of the buffered NYOGEL® mixture to the middle 5 inches of the rebar samples. The samples were then exposed to a 5% salt solution in a constant temperature environment for 1632 hours, in accordance with ASTM B117-73. The extent of corrosion on the test parts was determined by visual inspection at time intervals of 24-72 hours.

                  TABLE C                                                          ______________________________________                                                      Salt Spray                                                        Test Part      % Red Rust*                                                                              Test Hours                                            ______________________________________                                         Control rebar  100%      24                                                    Pure gel rebar 100%      96                                                    Buffered gel rebar                                                                             38%      1632                                                  ______________________________________                                          *Average of three samples per set                                        

The pure NYOGEL 747G® gel rebars had red corrosion spots beneath the gel at 24 hours and were completely covered with red rust at 96 hours. On the other hand, the buffered gel rebars, after showing initial signs of corrosion under the gel at 96 hours, maintained the total level of corrosion of each rebar below 40% throughout the experiment. It is evident, therefore, that the buffered gel material is capable of slowing both the onset and progression of corrosion on metal surfaces, compared to pure gel compounds.

EXAMPLE 2

The following materials were used:

Bare steel M12X40 bolts and CL08 nuts from Bossard (DIN 933 & 934)

Zinc plated steel 5/16 inch×2.5 inches long hex head bolts with NF threads and corresponding nuts from Westlakes Hardware

AM940126 Experimental synthetic polyalphaolefin hydrocarbon gelled lubricant from William F. Nye, Inc.

powdered potassium silicate (KASIL SS®), available from PQ Corp.

Sodium silicate GD®, available from PQ Corp.

zinc borate (BOROGARD ZB®), available from U.S. Borax Co.

Anti-seize and lubricating compound (NEVER-SEEZ®) from Bostik

First, approximately 25 ml each of the potassium silicate, sodium silicate, and zinc borate were mixed together for approximately 15 minutes to provide a homogeneous buffered composition. A 75 ml sample of the dry powder mixture was then slowly added to a 250 ml quantity of the AM940126 to produce a gel with 30% buffering agents by volume which produced a buffered range of 9-11 pH.

Four sets of bare steel bolt/nut assemblies and four sets of zinc plated steel bolt/nut assemblies were then prepared for testing. In all of the samples, surface scale and corrosion initially present on the nuts/bolts were left undisturbed. Furthermore, all of the samples were tested with the nuts screwed to a point midway on the bolts.

The first set of bare steel bolt/nut assemblies and the first set of zinc plated steel bolt/nut assemblies were designated as the control groups; consequently, no treatment was applied to these samples. The remaining three sets of bare steel bolt/nut assemblies and the remaining three sets of zinc plated steel bolt/nut assemblies were prepared by coating each of the bolt/nut assemblies with pure AM940126 gel (set 2), buffered AM940126 gel (set 3), and NEVER-SEEZ® (set 4). (NEVER-SEEZ® contains hydrocarbon and heavy metal components and presents environmental considerations; its manufacturer claims it protects against extreme heat, corrosion, rust, pitting, seizure and carbon fusion.) These compounds were brushed on to their respective bolts to obtain a uniform coating which completely filled the threads. The nuts were then screwed on to the bolts, and excess material was removed by brush. Upon assembly, the threads at the end of the bolts, where the nuts had passed, were recoated with the appropriate material.

The samples were then exposed to a 5% salt solution in a constant temperature environment for 1464 hours (or until failure, whichever occurred sooner), in accordance with ASTM B117-73. Seizing was determined by manually checking the nuts for movement on the bolts. If more force was required to initiate movement than could be generated with finger pressure, the specimen was deemed as failed.

                  TABLE D                                                          ______________________________________                                         Test Part              Hours to Seizing*                                       ______________________________________                                         Control bare steel assemb.                                                                             462                                                    Pure gel bare steel assemb.                                                                            732                                                    Buffered gel bare steel assemb.                                                                       1104                                                    NEVER-SEEZ ® bare steel assemb.                                                                   1356                                                    Control zinc plated steel assemb.                                                                      816                                                    Pure gel zinc plated steel assemb.                                                                    2811                                                    Buffered gel zinc plated steel assemb.                                                                2483                                                    NEVER-SEEZ ® zinc plated steel assemb.                                                            1598                                                    ______________________________________                                          *Average of four samples per set                                         

The buffer materials which were added to the AM940126 synthetic polyalphaolefin gel significantly extended the amount of time to development of a seized condition on the bare steel bolt/nut assemblies compared to the AM940126 material by itself and offered a performance comparable to the commercial anti-seize compound that was tested. From an environmental standpoint the buffered gel is superior to the commercial product.

Three of the zinc plated samples with buffered gels performed as well as or better than the rest of the zinc plated and bare steel samples. However, for unknown reasons one zinc plated sample with buffered gel and one zinc plated sample with NEVER-SEEZ® failed significantly earlier than the other samples in their respective groups. This early failure resulted in a lower than expected average for the buffered set--lower than with the pure AM940126 gel. However, both the AM940126 gel and the buffered gel out-performed the NEVER-SEEZ® material in the zinc plated nut/bolt assemblies.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative only and that other means and techniques may be employed without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A thixotropic gel composition for inhibiting corrosion of a metal wherein the gel comprises a combination of at least one alkali silicate and a carrier comprising polyalphaolefin.
 2. A gel coating composition for improving the corrosion resistance of a zinc or an iron containing surface comprising a combination of a buffer comprising at least one alkali silicate and a carrier comprising polyalphaolefin.
 3. A composition for improving corrosion and seize resistance of a metal surface comprising a combination of a carrier comprising at least one of synthetic oil, naturally occurring oil or wax and polymeric resin material, and a buffer comprising at least one alkali silicate.
 4. The composition of any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said alkali silicate comprises at least one of potassium silicate and sodium silicate.
 5. The composition of any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the composition further comprises an amount of a bactericide effective for inhibiting microbial growth.
 6. The composition of claim 5 wherein the bactericide comprises zinc borate.
 7. The composition of any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the buffer comprises less than 60% by volume of the composition.
 8. The composition of claim 3 wherein the carrier comprises at least one member from the group consisting of acrylics, alkyds, vinyls, phenolics, fluoropolymers, latexes, polyester, silicone, polyurethane, polychloroprenes and epoxies.
 9. The composition of claim 3 wherein the carrier comprises at least one synthetic oil comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkylated aromatics, phosphate esters, perfluoroalky polyethers, chlorotrifluoroethylene, silahydrocarbons, phosphazenes, dialkylcarbonates, polyphenyl esters, alkyl benzenes, dibasic acid esters, polyolesters, polyglycols, olefin oligomers, polybutenes, cycloaliphatics, silicones, silicate esters, polyphenyl ethers, polyolefin and halogenated fluids.
 10. The composition of claim 3 wherein the carrier comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate, polyamides, hydrocarbon resins, asphalt, bitumen, natural resinous materials and waxes.
 11. The composition of claim 3 wherein the naturally occurring oil or wax comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of linseed oil, putty and wax.
 12. The composition of claim 3 wherein the carrier comprises polybutene.
 13. The composition of any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 further comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of viscosity control and thermal resistivity additives.
 14. The composition of any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 further comprising at least one alkali hydroxide and at least one salt thereof.
 15. The composition of claim 3 wherein the carrier comprises polyglycol.
 16. The composition of any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 further comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of silica, zircon, a fluoropolymer and dye. 